A New Push for Cleaner and More Responsible Industrial Operations
Abu Dhabi has taken another major step towards strengthening its environmental protection efforts by launching the Eltezam Campaign for the Cement and Cement Products Sector. Led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the initiative aims to raise compliance levels, enhance environmental performance and ensure that all cement-related facilities in the emirate meet key environmental requirements. This campaign reflects the growing importance of sustainable industrial practices as Abu Dhabi continues to expand economically while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
A Strategic Initiative to Build a More Sustainable Industrial Future
The Eltezam campaign has been designed as a focused awareness and compliance programme targeting facilities in the cement and cement products industry. This sector plays a vital role in Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure development, but it also has significant environmental impacts. Dust emissions, air quality concerns and waste management challenges are common issues that require strict oversight and continuous improvement.
EAD’s new initiative aims to address these challenges head-on by promoting a culture of responsibility and environmental mindfulness among facility operators. The campaign’s name, meaning “commitment,” reflects its core purpose: to encourage industries to fully comply with environmental regulations while adopting better sustainability practices.
Strengthening Monitoring, Compliance and Industry Participation
One of the central objectives of the Eltezam campaign is to enhance monitoring mechanisms across the cement sector. EAD plans to strengthen oversight not only by enforcing environmental laws but also by educating facility operators on how to meet them. This approach supports the emirate’s broader strategy of balancing economic development with environmental integrity.
The campaign also focuses on increasing awareness among the workforce. Instead of relying solely on enforcement measures, EAD aims to create a culture where environmental compliance becomes a shared responsibility. Through this approach, industries gain a better understanding of how sustainable practices contribute to long-term growth, operational efficiency and community well-being.
Awareness Sessions to Guide Facilities Toward Better Practices
As part of the initiative, EAD organised a specialised awareness session for all facilities in the cement and cement products industry. This session aimed to clearly explain environmental licensing requirements and highlight best practices in technical and administrative operations.
The session also helped facility representatives understand how to identify environmental issues within their operations, manage potential risks and ensure that all processes align with the emirate’s environmental regulations. By giving companies the tools to self-evaluate, EAD supports a more proactive approach to environmental management across the industry.
A 60-Day Grace Period to Implement Necessary Improvements
Following the awareness session, all participating facilities were granted a 60-day grace period. This window allows companies to review their operations thoroughly, identify areas that need corrective action and begin implementing improvements without immediate penalties.
This grace period demonstrates EAD’s commitment to collaboration rather than immediate enforcement. It encourages facilities to take responsibility and make changes that will benefit not only the environment but also their long-term operational sustainability. Industries that take this opportunity seriously will likely see improvements in efficiency, reduced emissions and better relationships with regulatory authorities.
Upcoming Inspections to Ensure Full Environmental Compliance
Beginning January 2026, EAD will conduct field inspections across facilities in the cement sector. These inspections will play a critical role in assessing whether facilities have followed through on the corrective measures introduced during the awareness stage.
The inspections will be used to:
- Evaluate overall compliance with environmental regulations
- Identify violations or ongoing issues
- Determine whether enforcement actions are necessary
- Encourage continuous progress toward sustainability
These inspections underline the agency’s commitment to maintaining high environmental standards. Facilities that fail to comply may face warnings, penalties or even temporary suspension of operations, depending on the severity of violations.
A Strong Message from EAD’s Leadership
Eng. Ahmed Al Wheibi, Director of Environmental Inspection and Enforcement at EAD, emphasised the importance of the campaign by highlighting the agency’s long-standing commitment to environmental protection. He explained that the Eltezam campaign aims to inspire a culture of compliance, ensuring that all operational activities align with Abu Dhabi’s environmental laws and permit requirements.
He also reiterated the importance of collaboration between regulators and the industrial sector. By working together, both parties can support sustainable development while protecting the emirate’s natural environment and maintaining a high quality of life for the community.
Balancing Industrial Growth with Environmental Protection
The cement industry is essential for economic growth, especially in a rapidly developing region like Abu Dhabi. However, industries must also recognise the environmental responsibilities that come with expansion. The Eltezam campaign highlights the ongoing efforts to keep this balance intact.
Through modern monitoring tools, stricter regulations and greater industry engagement, Abu Dhabi aims to create an environment where economic and environmental goals can coexist. Initiatives like Eltezam help ensure that growth does not come at the cost of the environment or public health.
Encouraging a New Mindset Across the Industrial Sector
One of the most significant outcomes of this initiative is the shift in mindset it promotes. Instead of viewing compliance as a burden, industries are encouraged to see it as a pathway toward improved performance, reduced environmental risks and long-term sustainability.
By raising awareness and giving facilities a clear roadmap for compliance, EAD is helping reshape industry attitudes. This cultural shift is crucial for building a future where environmental protection becomes an integral part of industrial operations, not an afterthought.
Supporting a Sustainable Abu Dhabi for the Future
EAD emphasises that the Eltezam campaign is only the beginning. The agency will continue building strong partnerships with key industry sectors and supporting initiatives that align with Abu Dhabi’s sustainability agenda. This includes ongoing education, improved monitoring systems and continuous collaboration with the private sector.
The campaign reinforces Abu Dhabi’s strategic goal of becoming a leader in environmental protection and sustainable development. It also ensures that industries operating within the emirate contribute to a cleaner, safer and more resilient future.
Conclusion
The launch of the Eltezam Campaign for the Cement and Cement Products Sector marks an important milestone in Abu Dhabi’s ongoing journey toward environmental excellence. By combining awareness, collaboration, monitoring and enforcement, EAD is helping shape an industrial sector that is both productive and environmentally responsible.
With the support of facility operators, the initiative promises to deliver meaningful improvements in environmental performance while maintaining the emirate’s strong economic growth. As inspections begin in 2026, the campaign is expected to play a transformative role in how industries manage their environmental impact and contribute to a sustainable future.
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